Armed with a fresh mandate from the Communist Party of China to rule the country for five more years, Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday vowed to press ahead with reforms. He also pledged to promote social equity and justice and pursue an independent foreign policy of peace.

In remarks made after introducing newly elected members of the CPC Politburo Standing Committee to the international media at the Great Hall of the people, Hu said they would strive to open up, "a broader vista for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics".

"The plenary session (of the CPC Central Committee) elected me as general secretary," said a smiling Hu as he presented the new lineup of leadership that would guide the policies of the world's most populous nation and fourth largest economy for the next five years.

Hu said, "We will press ahead with reform and opening up, and put in place systems and mechanisms that are full of vigour, highly efficient, more open and conducive to scientific development."

We are keenly aware of our difficult tasks and grave responsibilities," said the 64-year old Hu. The president had to face backroom jockeying for power from the rival camp of his retired predecessor Jiang Zemin over choosing the new team.

Pledging to build a "harmonious socialist society", Hu said the new leadership will make all round progress in developing the socialist market economy, socialist democracy and strive for scientific development by putting people first and making it comprehensive, balanced and  sustainable.

Describing the just concluded 17th National Congress, CPC's most important five-yearly event, as a "resounding success", Hu said "we held high our banner and carried forward our cause in a truth-seeking and pragmatic manner".

In remarks reflecting the Communist regime's worry over the widening income gap between the rich and the poor which has fuelled concerns about social unrest, Hu said no efforts will be spared to solve the most specific problems of the utmost and immediate concern to the people.

"The leadership will sincerely do practical work for their benefits and strive to promote social equity and justice," he said. He said they would conscientiously adhere to scientific, democratic and law-based governance and never fail to uphold integrity.

Growing corruption has emerged as a major worrying factor for the Chinese leadership.

On the foreign policy front, Hu said, "We will pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and a win-win strategy of opening up."

"We will develop friendship and cooperation with all other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and push for the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity," he said.